Threshold scans in diffractive W pair production via QED processes at the LHC

We propose a new set of measurements which can be performed at the LHC using roman pot detectors. This new method is based on exploiting excitation curves to measure kinematical properties of produced particles. We illustrate it in the case of central diffractive W pair production.Comment: Accepted by Phys. Lett. B - 1 reference adde

Diffractive χ\chi Production at the Tevatron and the LHC

We present predictions for the diffractive production of $\chi$ mesons in the central rapidity region usually covered by collider detectors. The predicted cross sections are based on the Bialas-Landshoff formalism for both exclusive and inclusive production and makes use of the DPEMC Monte-Carlo simulation adapted with kinematics appropriate for small-mass diffractive production. We compare generator-level results with a CDF measurement for exclusive $\chi$ production, and study background and other scenarios including the contribution of inclusive $\chi$ production. The results agree with the Tevatron data and are extrapolated, highlighting the exclusive \chic production at LHC energies. A possible new measurement at the Tevatron using the D{\O}forward detectors is investigated, taking advantage of the dominance of exclusive production for high enough diffractive mass fraction.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figures, added akcnowledgment

Popping out the Higgs boson off vacuum at Tevatron and LHC

In the prospect of diffractive Higgs production at the LHC collider, we give an extensive study of Higgs boson, dijet, diphoton and dilepton production at hadronic colliders via diffraction at both hadron vertices. Our model, based on non factorizable Pomeron exchange, describes well the observed dijet rate observed at Tevatron Run I. Taking the absolute normalization from data, our predictions are given for diffractive processes at Tevatron and LHC. Stringent tests of our model and of its parameters using data being taken now at Tevatron Run II are suggested. These measurements will also allow to discriminate between various models and finally to give precise predictions on diffractive Higgs boson production cross-section at the LHC.Comment: 27 pages, 16 figures. Published version, incorporating corrections listed in the Erratum to appea

DPEMC : A Monte-Carlo for Double Diffraction

We extend the POMWIG Monte Carlo generator developed by B.Cox and J.Forshaw, to include new models of central production through inclusive and exclusive Double Pomeron Exchange in proton-proton collisions. Double photon Exchange processes are described as well, both in proton-proton and heavy-ion collisions. In all contexts, various models have been implemented, allowing for comparisons and uncertainty evaluation and enabling detailed experimental simulations.Comment: Revised versio

Threshold scans in Central Diffraction at the LHC

We propose a new set of measurements which can be performed at the LHC using roman pot detectors. The method exploits excitation curves in central diffractive pair production, and is illustrated using the examples of the W boson and top quark mass measurements. Further applications are mentioned.Comment: 11 page

Parental perception of weight and weight-related behaviour in 2- to 4-year-old children in the eastern part of the Netherlands

Parental perception of weight status and weight-related behaviour of their toddler was determined through a questionnaire survey in child health care centres (CHCs). Complete data on weight, length, sex and age were available for 635 of 682 children (93.1%). The median age of the children was 37.0 months (range 24–56 months). Of all 635 children, 76.5% were normal weight, 16.2% underweight and 7.2% overweight. Parents’ perception of the weight of their child compared with their peers was moderately related to the actual weight status. Of the parents of overweight and underweight children, 87.0% and 89.3%, respectively, were not concerned. Only the parents’ perception of the amount of food eaten by their child was significantly related to the weight status. The primary goal of CHC workers should be to create parental awareness in case of their child being overweight or underweight and to support them in accomplishing a healthy lifestyle